Nottingham cattle market fire: Three arrested over 'fireworks arson'

The scene of the fire on Monday morning

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a huge blaze involving fireworks ripped through a former cattle market.

The fire broke out in Nottingham's cattle market at about 18:00 GMT on Sunday, engulfing several buildings and destroying businesses.

Nottinghamshire Police said the blaze "involved fireworks set off nearby".

About 100 firefighters tackled the fire, which was brought under control on Monday morning.

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Two men, aged 18 and 25, and a 25-year-old woman were taken into custody on Tuesday afternoon before being released under investigation.

Earlier police issued an image of two men and a woman caught on CCTV that they wanted to talk to about the fire.

The force said its initial investigations into the blaze had "determined it was started deliberately".

People living near the Meadow Lane area were asked to keep windows and doors closed

Four premises have been destroyed and another nine were damaged to varying extents.

The worse affected include Bed City, SB refrigeration, Fresh N Fruity and D&B Carburetters.

About 200 animals had to be rapidly moved from an exotic pet business and a man was apparently bitten by a snake in the process - the only injury reported following the blaze.

A lizard was so large it had to be moved in a shopping trolley, an eyewitness added.

Drone footage captured the extent of the damage

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said tackling the blaze was "a real challenge", with densely-packed buildings, gas cylinders and a limited water supply.

A high pressure pump had to be used to get water from the nearby canal.

Roads were closed in the area and shifts at a nearby Royal Mail distribution centre were disrupted, which affected deliveries in parts of Nottingham.